Good morning, Ithaca.

Bianca, Hudson, Poe and Blossom from CNY Snap and the Cortland County SPCA are available for adoption + shelter officials say the pets need patient owners.

Bianca is a timid 2 months old and Hudson is a friendly 2 years old with a limp while the kittens are playful and outgoing + local shelters urge anyone interested to visit soon.

Gallox Semiconductors, a startup with Cornell roots, won the 2025 Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge for its gallium oxide semiconductor technology—an innovation that may boost energy efficiency in space, aviation and vehicle charging.

The company plans to use its award to further develop its research and enhance chip performance.

A decision issued in May ended a $830,000 project begun in October 2024 to study how companies can better hire autistic workers in STEM fields—researchers say this work could help fill tech jobs and boost the economy.

Experts warned that halting the study may limit future improvements in hiring practices for neurodivergent talent.

Eighteen Cornell faculty and staff earned the SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence on June 9th—recognizing their work in teaching, research and service across four contract colleges at Cornell.

Mathematician Steven Strogatz, the new Susan and Barton Winokur Distinguished Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and Mathematics, launched his four-part series — Math, Revealed — in the New York Times on June 9 to show how everyday objects can explain math.

The series will be adapted into free teaching materials for middle and high school classes through the NYT Learning Network.

The Ithaca Teachers Association—representing over 500 educators—has been negotiating a new contract with the Ithaca City School District and held a rally that drew over 200 members marching from Boynton Middle School to Ithaca High School to demand a step-and-lane salary system.

The union plans a picket today at Ithaca High School and will continue addressing unresolved issues such as pay, parental leave, and health coverage at Thursday’s 9 a.m. bargaining session at York Hall.

Alderperson Tiffany Kumar said the city will fund an unarmed responder program to address racial discrimination—an idea from the Reimagining Public Safety initiative that began in 2020.

Deputy City Manager Dominick Recckio said a rough draft was shown in May and the full plan will be presented to the Common Council for a vote later this year.

An Ithaca Common Council candidate forum will take place at GIAC on June 11th at 6:30 p.m., where Ward 1 candidates will speak first + Ward 5 candidates will follow to answer questions, all ahead of the primary election on June 24 with voter registration closing on June 14.

A Massachusetts-based LLC linked to Charlesbank Realty Group bought the former Lansing Market building at 3125 North Triphammer Road for $1.25 million last Thursday; the 14,000 square-foot property on 3.90 acres has begun minor demolition+exterior landscaping upgrades as it prepares for a single tenant lease. The market closed at the end of 2022 after 11 years of service and now faces a new chapter in Lansing.

Ithaca Reggae Fest 2025

5-11 p.m. — Stewart Park — Free entry — Celebrate the region's largest natural resource with reggae music and community spirit.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz and local flavors at Ithaca's favorite cider spot.

CFCU Summer Concert Series

5-8 p.m. — Bernie Milton Pavilion — Free entry — Weekly family-friendly concerts showcasing local and regional artists through the summer.

Project Planning: The Critical Role of Feasibility Studies

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Tompkins Chamber — Registration required — Explore the importance of feasibility studies in project planning with insights from a leading architecture and construction firm.

Waitress: The Musical

July 10–19 — Hangar Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the heartwarming tale of a waitress and talented pie-baker.